2009 Saab 9-3 Sedan Turbo X

Saab reaches back a few years for inspiration for its 2008 9-3 Turbo X sedan, a new high-performance halo model for the entry-level 9-3 range. The new-for-2008 sedan, the most powerful production turbocharged Saab ever - and the most powerful true Saab ever built (the 9-7x SUV is merely a tarted up General Motors SUV) - also serves a showcase for the automaker's first in-house all-wheel-drive system.

Saab has produced two all-wheel-drive vehicles, the 9-7x sport-ute and the 9-2x, a short-lived, rebadged Subaru Impreza wagon, but the Turbo X represents the first time the formerly all-front-wheel-drive automaker has made the rear wheels spin on a 'true' Saab.

Critics might argue that the 9-3 Turbo X is a far departure from a 'true' Saab, however, given that it's based on GM's Epsilon architecture - which underpins everything from the Chevrolet Malibu to the Fiat Croma - and the fact that the Turbo X is powered not by a torquey little four-cylinder, but by a fairly large 2.8 liter V6. The Turbo X upgrades the 9-3 Aero's turbocharged V6 with a 25 horsepower bump to 280. Torque is also up to 295 lb-ft., an increase of 37 lb-ft. The motor is hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission.

The Turbo X will showcase Saab's new XWD (say 'Cross Wheel Drive') all-wheel-drive system. Developed by Haldex, the system features an electronic limited slip rear differential. The system is designed to send up to as much as 96 percent of the power to the rear wheels for acceleration and the same proportion to the front wheels for thick snow where front wheel drive is advantageous. On the Turbo X, the XWD system is enhanced by upgraded brakes and a lowered suspension with rear load leveling.

Inside, the Turbo X gets upgraded leather upholstery, a unique turbo gauge designed to recall the turbocharged 900s of the 1980s, carbon fiber dash trim and lots of Turbo X badging - also in the design of the '80s 900s. The main instrument display greets the driver with, in North America, 'All Systems Go' and, if the buyer wishes, the owner's name and the limited-edition number of the vehicle. Other markets will get a 'Ready For Take-Off' message rather than the more generic 'All Systems Go.'

Turbo Xs also get unique front and rear fascias, sculpted rocker panels, a small spoiler, and rhombus-shaped dual exhaust outlets. Standard wheels are 17 inches in diameter for North America, although 18 inch wheels will likely be available.

Just 2,000 Turbo Xs will be produced for worldwide consumption in 2008, including 600 earmarked for the United States and 125 headed to Canada. In another nod to the Turbo X's heritage, the only color available will be Jet Black, which recalls the popular 900 SPGs of the late '80s, many of which were made in black